Wonder Woman Solicitations – October 2013

“After the shocking events of issue #23, Wonder Woman’s life has changed forever…but what if she refuses to walk the path the gods—and her mentor—have laid out for her? A strange new era of WONDER WOMAN begins here!”

Of course, the thing I am most excited for: Wonder Woman! This issue is being billed as the beginning of “a strange new era of Wonder Woman!” Not entirely sure what that means, but the cover image certainly lends a few clues.

Sudzuka is a better fill in artist than Tony Akins (whose art I find terrible), but I still wish Cliff Chiang had it in him to do the art for the entire series. Still, this cover implies there are some great things in store for Wonder Woman, following the end of Brian Azzarello’s second year on the book.

Superman/Wonder Woman #01

Written by Charles Soule
Art by Tony S. Daniel and Batt
Cover by Tony S. Daniel

Beginning a bold new series that details the relationship between The Man of Steel and the Warrior Princess as rising star writer Charles Soule is joined by fan favorite artist Tony S. Daniel to tell the tale of a romance that will shake the stars themselves. These two super-beings love each other, but not everyone shares their joy. Some fear it, some test it—and some will try to kill for it. Some say love is a battlefield, but where Superman and Wonder Woman are concerned it spells Doomsday!

This is a book I’m a little on the fence about. Don’t get me wrong, I will buy it. Seeing Wonder Woman in multiple titles every month is awesome. But I’m trepidatious. I’m not completely sold on the relationship between Diana and Clark, largely because it has been under-explored (shown repeatedly, but not truly developed). This book is certainly the chance for DC to do that, while also giving Wonder Woman fans a more action oriented book every month.

Written by Charles Soule, with whom I have very little experience (largely because he has not written that many comics). I’m okay with this choice because I don’t have a bias going into the book. Someone new can give some fresh insight into these characters.

On top of these, we also have Justice League #24. As it is aftermath of the Trinity War, the solicitations are very sparse, with very little info and placeholder images. Whether or not Diana will actually even be in Justice League #24, we’ll just have to wait and see.

Alternate Universes

Justice League 3000 #01

Written by Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis
Art and cover by Kevin Maguire

Don’t miss the debut of the new series starring the heroes of today—tomorrow! But what are they doing in the year 3000? And who (or what) brought them there? Get ready for a double dose of wonder as only the stellar creative team of Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis and Kevin Maguire can deliver!

I am really looking forward to this book. I love these future/alternate reality takes on characters that I love. And look at Diana! Her lasso has become a mace? Is that even the same Diana we’re used to? Who are these people? Why do they come together? So many questions!

Smallville Season 11 #18

Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Jorge Jimenez
Cover by Cat Staggs

Diana’s mysterious past may hold the key to helping Superman stop Faust in the present—but the warlock isn’t working alone! Enter Hades, Lord of the Underworld! “Olympus” continues in part 3 of 4.

Not only is Smallville introducing their version of Wonder Woman, but now they’re adding their version of Hades?! Sold. I think Bryan Q. Miller is a very talented writer, so I look forward to his take on my favorite character: Wonder Woman!

Other Stuff

In October, DC will release “DCE Essentials” $1 reprints of some popular issues, including the New 52 Wonder Woman #01.

DC also resolicited the Just Imagine Stan Lee Creating the DC Universe Omnibus HC, which includes his take on Wonder Woman. The book has been rescheduled for December, with a price of $75. December will also bring a Villain’s Month Omnibus hardcover, which will feature Wonder Woman 23.1 and 23.2, the villain issues focusing on The Cheetah and the First Born. I imagine these issues will also be collected in Wonder Woman collections next year, for those that don’t want to shell out $150 for this omnibus of mostly unrelated issues.

That’s it for Wonder Woman in October. I’m really hoping that Superman/Wonder Woman will be good, so we finally have a second Wonder Woman-focused title.